Thoughts about words, words about thoughts.

…and a Fartridge in a Pear Tree

Who would dare argue with Sandi Toksvig? Who would even want to argue with her? She’s a one-woman latter-day Danish invasion which I reckon we’re very luck to have.

She also, according to S [the blonde who doesn’t understand question marks – see previous post] pointed out the wonderful etymological origin of the bird which is famous for sitting in a pear tree. I quote from the OED [which, again, nobody in their right minds would argue with] below:-

partridge, n

Etymology:…..[lots of other stuff which isn’t all that amusing, to be honest]….

probably < πέρδεσθαι to break wind (see fartv.; perhaps after the noise made by the bird as it flies away: this etymology goes back to antiquity)

Isn’t that just wonderful? Happy farty Christmas to you all! [And I bet you’ll never sing the song in quite the same way again, will you?]